Evolutionary Psychologist: “Sex, Status, and Survival” The Hidden Drivers of Human Behavior

Evolutionary Psychologist: “Sex, Status, and Survival” The Hidden Drivers of Human Behavior

Author: Howie Chan, Influence Strategist @ The Behavioring Company December 23, 2025 Duration: 48:38
In this episode of the Influence Anyone Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Dr. Douglas Kenrick,  an evolutionary psychologist and professor at Arizona State University, who has also worked with Dr. Robert Cialdini, the godfather of influence, over the years. They delve into  the primal forces behind decision-making and the underlying reason why we do what we do. Dr. Kenrick provides the basic structure of evolved human motives and how to use them, along with the 7 principles of influence, to persuade others more effectively. He also shares a way to enjoy your work more and how you don't need to be dominant and aggressive to be a good leader. Want prospects to become customers and passers-by to become fans? Sign up for the Behavioring Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course. Episode Breakdown: 0:00:00 Kenrick’s redemption and early academic path 0:08:17  The controversial evolutionary psychology 0:17:00 The primal forces behind our decisions 0:23:23 Solving for ancient problems in modern times 0:25:15 Prestige-based vs. dominance-based leadership 0:30:25 How our ancient motives affect our influence 0:41:40 Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life insights From Our Guest: Website LinkedIn X Get the books, Solving Modern Problems with a Stone-Age Brain, The Rational Animal, and Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life. Get people to buy into your ideas and offers! Join the FREE Influence Anyone newsletter. Each week, I uncover a proven strategy from world experts and scientific research to influence human behavior – including your own. 📩 Go to: www.howiechan.com/sub Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review! Produced by Ideablossoms Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Howie Chan hosts Influence Anyone, a conversation that digs into the practical mechanics of persuasion and personal change. Rather than abstract theory, this podcast focuses on applied influence psychology, translating research and real-world experience into actionable strategies. Episodes feature dialogues with leading experts and practitioners, dissecting the subtle psychological forces that shape both internal motivation and external agreement. You’ll hear discussions on mastering your own mindset and habits alongside concrete methods for branding, storytelling, and negotiation. The aim is to move from insight to implementation, turning behavioral science into reliable playbooks for leadership and persuasion. Covering intersections of science, business, marketing, and social dynamics, the podcast provides a nuanced look at how influence operates in various arenas of life. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the principles that drive decision-making, equipping them to navigate professional challenges and personal goals with greater clarity. The tone is exploratory and detailed, prioritizing depth over quick fixes. By examining the hidden architecture of influence, Howie Chan creates a resource for anyone looking to understand the why behind effective action and communication. This is a place where academic findings meet street-level practice, all dedicated to creating more meaningful and effective outcomes.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 77

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